The second of the HTA’s major trails of the 2024 season takes place on Saturday when the Dog Produce Stakes will be held at Potter’s Park.
It’s a prestigious meeting which will attract most of the top dogs currently running in the HTA with the main race to find the best dog pup.
All the trails have been sponsored by 37 members of the province of Cumberland and Westmorland Freemasons.
Edward Crosby is a member of the Whitehaven Area who are hosting the trails on behalf of the Hound Trailing Association and he has been involved in the sport for a number of years.
He said: “If the advance weather forecast is correct, it is going to be a fine day which will be great for what is a really prestigious meeting throughout the HTA.
“I first attended the Dog Produce Stakes meeting at Cunswick Fell, Kendal in 1972.
“The Fishers’ home-bred pup Ringo (Prince Consort – Reason) from Cleator Moor had won a few trails in the Whitehaven Area and was well fancied. He went on to steal the show and won the prestigious event.
“That magnificent fell hound Shannon, owned by Bill Jackson and trained by Victor Brownlee, was the reigning senior champion. He overcame the challenge of the favourite and local hound Review to win the senior trail.
“I remember clearly how he never looked like being caught up that long uphill finish.
“Rowfoot Lad won the Senior Maiden trail for Harry Crewdson and John Chambers of Whitehaven and Winaway won the Open Puppies for Dallas Machell of Pennybridge.
“It’s funny that I can remember those winners vividly but would struggle to tell you what won last week. We wish all those competing good luck for Saturday and hope the meeting produces memories you will never forget.”
Edward added that his wife Lisa, can take credit for raising much of the prize money whilst performing catering activities at local Freemason meetings.
He added: “Freemasonry is only surpassed by the National Lottery when it comes to making charity donations to the community, and since the beginning of the pandemic, charities in Cumbria have received more than £1 million from Freemasons.
“There is a Freemasons hall in every town in Cumbria.”
